The simple ceremony, led by H.E. Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. was held on 22 February 2013 at the Philippine Embassy’s Extension Office located at Via della Balduina No. 84, Rome, which serves as the Philippine Embassy’s Economic and Cultural Office.

The renowned Filipino artists based in Italy who were recognized at the ceremony include painter Leon Pacunayen based in Perugia, florist Efren Dordas based in Rome, sculptor Richard Gabriel based in Milan, and the Kayumanggi Philippine Folkloric Dance Group based in Rome.  Also recognized was Filipina painter Lina Llaguno-Ciani who is currently in Manila.

The month of February was declared as National Arts Month (NAM) through Presidential Proclamation No. 683 signed in 1991.  The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the country’s prime agency for the arts and culture, has been spearheading its annual celebration. The different NAM activities of the NCCA were consolidated and given a certain format in 2007, coming up with the Philippine Arts Festival.